Costco fans thread

[0388631]

When I started, I was thinking of a 40, but now I afford a 60" or bigger, and if I keep putting it off, who knows?

LOL, well it's more of like "Do I really need it?" I love my sports in HD, but at some point it can get too big and your eyes are left wandering all over the screen. I think the next TV we'll get will be a 65" or 75" 4K. But there's no real content at the moment, so no point really.

Citi was deeply involved in some of the Recession nonsense, nothing you'd notice at the retail level. I did briefly have a Citi checking account when they took over one of my banks. Went from being a free account to a 20 buck a month charge and a per check fee, with 30K in the account. I walked 100 feet to a B of A, and got back to free again.

I was referring to drug money laundering. Have to admit I've never seen a $30,000 requirement apart from US Bank's. I have accounts with them, Citi, BoA, Chase, etc. I believe my US Bank requires about $30,000 daily balance. They're very fee happy unless you meet X requirements per monthly cycle. I've got a Chase Platinum Premier, I have no idea what the requirements are but I don't use it often. Banks wise, the best service I've ever gotten was through BoA and Chase. I've been a BoA customer for a long time and they're always happy to help. I got with Chase in 2007. My favorite branch has coffee and sweets for customers. Money used wisely. Clearly.

I can't quite comment on the recession because fiscally speaking, it was a good time for me.

The Pesto is fresh, comes from Italy, in a plastic jar, and it's in the fridge section (only keeps about a month, but it good on more than pasta, so it never lasts). I don't have one in the fridge currently to check, but the ingredients are mostly the essentials. I've never found a shelf stable version I could tolerate. Some people have complained its too salty, but apparently they had an older version, and that may be what they're responding to.

I'll have to try it out then! I've had one made by Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, I don't remember, which was alright but I believe it had walnuts with pine nuts and that was strange to me. I'm sure it'll be good on pizza too! I was able to recreate Costco's baked turkey and provolone sandwich a few years ago and I've enjoyed it since. I actually buy a sundried tomato and basil rubbed chicken breast sliced at the deli counter and use that over turkey. It's pricier but it doesn't have the noxious turkey taste reminiscent of the old submarine sandwiches we used to get back in 70s and 80s. If you know what I'm talking about. That distinct turkey taste that melded with the bread. Yuck. I don't know what turkey Costco uses, but it tastes better than anything you can find, even at an upmarket deli.

Do you like beef tongue sandwiches by any chance?

Considering Pine Nuts are $23 a pound these days, at $8 for a 22oz jar, it seems like a good deal. If you try it and don't like it, feel free to call me names, but I think you will.

Yeah and who knows how fresh it is. My Whole Foods sells it in bulk for about $32 a point, but they have a fill date written in so at least it's fresh. I like to knock WF for its stupid products at times, but you can't go wrong with their bulk bins because it's quality product, "cheap" and always fresh. They sell the same products under their 365 brand in packages, which is always more expensive. We use pine nuts for pesto or a crunch factor in salads. Nothing else. They're very tasty on their own though.

They have discontinued some cheeses I like as well, I didn't try the Van Gogh, but I did see it there, I'll give it a try, if it ever comes back. I always get my Cambozola there, about half what it is everywhere else. That stuff is heaven on a good, crispy baguette (which they don't sell).

I tried the aged once in January, bought a couple wedges. Enjoyed it. We tried the smoked one the next time around thinking the aged would stick around, and we both couldn't eat it and ended up trashing it. I don't like smoked cheese much, but this was beyond smoked.

Can go wrong with the triple creme brie they have. My nearest stores carried delice de bourgogne for a month or two before omitting it from their charts. I guess it didn't sell well. Cabot, Old Croc and Tillamook are decent cheddars. Kerry Dubliner's a nice eating cheese. I use Tillamook in cooking. Old Croc is god as well, but like Cabot it isn't a normal cheddar. My current store is carrying a 2 lb block of Cabot oak white aged cheddar and a 1.5 lb block of the Kerrygold white cheddar. If you've had either, you'll know it's a very strong cheddar with a very peculiar taste that offensive to most people. But great if you like it.

Kirkland Greek Yogurt improved this year. I believe they're using Fage as a maker again, which is great. Whoever they were using the last few years was awful. I wish Costco sold kegs, which would give me a reason to buy a dispenser and not rely on bottles.

 

[AustinIllini]

Same here, between my Chase Sapphire Preferred, Freedom and Ink cards, I'm sitting on 90,000 UR points. That's after transferring miles to airlines for two flights to Italy, one to Amsterdam, and three to Seattle. And some to hotels every now and then too. Okay, the sign up bonuses and reimbursable work travel helped, but still. It's a fantastic rewards program and their customer service is excellent too.

I only ever used my AmEx at Costco, and now, I'll never use it again. I'll just keep it around until they eventually cancel it for inactivity.

Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best reason to use a Visa. That card is incredible. And now to use it at Costco, where I normally unload lots of my $$$ at once earns a boatload of miles.

 

[0388631]

Grr, I meant Rembrandt cheese, not Van Gogh. There is a Van Gogh brand, but they do something else.

Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best reason to use a Visa. That card is incredible. And now to use it at Costco, where I normally unload lots of my $$$ at once earns a boatload of miles.

I like to switch off now from it and bank issued rewards cards where you get 3% back on groceries up to $4,000 or so per fiscal quarter. Some banks will give you 15%-30% of your total earned rewards on top if you credit it back to your checking account. I got about $200 back last quarter.

 

[Thomas Veil]

Costco is excellent. What really sucks, and in a bad way, is Citibank's customer service. AMEX was perfect... AMEX answered the phone promptly, all the reps were happy and helpful.

Now with Citiback, one waits on hold for 22 minutes to two hours, listening to an obnoxious repetitive recording, mostly irrelevant and unnecessary, with only 30 seconds of no talk in between time. And the reps are not happy.

Thinking of dropping Citibank and just using a debit card.

Our experience has been the same.

The only thing we use the Citi card for is to wave to the greeter as we walk in. Otherwise we put everything on our debit card.

BTW, my wife asked someone at the Costco customer service desk if they've had any complaints about switching over to Citi Visa, and they said yeah, lots.

 

[AustinIllini]

Our experience has been the same.

The only thing we use the Citi card for is to wave to the greeter as we walk in. Otherwise we put everything on our debit card.

BTW, my wife asked someone at the Costco customer service desk if they've had any complaints about switching over to Citi Visa, and they said yeah, lots.

Of course they have. They have countless members. There's going to be some unhappy people. That being said, VISA just puts them in a much better way as a vendor, considering Sam's has used it for a while.

People will get over it. Meanwhile, the rest of us will reap the benefits.

 

[0388631]

Rumor has it the yearly fees would have increased around $15-20 across the board if they stuck with Amex. Costco took the cheap route to keep members happy. Though support lies solely on Citi's shoulders now. I was honestly surprised they picked Citi because Citi seemed to be an exclusive partner with Mastercard.

 

[Larry-K]

LOL, well it's more of like "Do I really need it?" I love my sports in HD, but at some point it can get too big and your eyes are left wandering all over the screen. I think the next TV we'll get will be a 65" or 75" 4K. But there's no real content at the moment, so no point really.

Considering I spend most of my TV watching time while I'm working, I usually see things on a 12" screen off to the side. I have a 32" (that was big when I got it), that I watch, maybe once a month, so at the rate I'm going it may just be a pipe dream. It's certainly not a necessity, but it's kind of "Found Money" at this point.

I can't quite comment on the recession because fiscally speaking, it was a good time for me.

I did okay, but it sunk a lot of my contemporaries, losing your career in you late fifties is a terminal thing for lots of people.

I'll have to try it out then! I've had one made by Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, I don't remember, which was alright but I believe it had walnuts with pine nuts and that was strange to me. I'm sure it'll be good on pizza too! I was able to recreate Costco's baked turkey and provolone sandwich a few years ago and I've enjoyed it since. I actually buy a sundried tomato and basil rubbed chicken breast sliced at the deli counter and use that over turkey. It's pricier but it doesn't have the noxious turkey taste reminiscent of the old submarine sandwiches we used to get back in 70s and 80s. If you know what I'm talking about. That distinct turkey taste that melded with the bread. Yuck. I don't know what turkey Costco uses, but it tastes better than anything you can find, even at an upmarket deli.

Do you like beef tongue sandwiches by any chance?

I just found a thread the other day that compared the TJs to the Costco, and the Costco was a clear winner. Walnuts in pesto? that's sacrilege. I do have to admit they use sunflower oil in the Costco Pesto as well as EVOO, I think that's why it doesn't completely seize in the fridge. Everything else that's there is stuff that should be there, the Parmesan and Pecorino are D.O.P. You just can't heat treat pesto for glass jars without ruining it in my opinion

Yeah, I know that bad turkey, I still haven't tried that turkey provolone sandwich, whenever I get to the food court, I succumb to the cheap hot dog/ soda combo, it's the free sauerkraut that wins me over.

Haven't tried Tongue in a while, I thought it was good. My cold-cut rotation is pretty full of Italian pork products, but I could stand to give it a shot.

Yeah and who knows how fresh it is. My Whole Foods sells it in bulk for about $32 a point, but they have a fill date written in so at least it's fresh. I like to knock WF for its stupid products at times, but you can't go wrong with their bulk bins because it's quality product, "cheap" and always fresh. They sell the same products under their 365 brand in packages, which is always more expensive. We use pine nuts for pesto or a crunch factor in salads. Nothing else. They're very tasty on their own though.

The Costco Pine nuts are fresh dated, but outside of pesto, I don't use them often, and I'd hate having a big bag just sitting around getting old, or taking up room in the fridge.

They are tasty, but at what they cost, it's probably not a good idea to start snacking on them regularly.

I tried the aged once in January, bought a couple wedges. Enjoyed it. We tried the smoked one the next time around thinking the aged would stick around, and we both couldn't eat it and ended up trashing it. I don't like smoked cheese much, but this was beyond smoked.

Can go wrong with the triple creme brie they have. My nearest stores carried delice de bourgogne for a month or two before omitting it from their charts. I guess it didn't sell well. Cabot, Old Croc and Tillamook are decent cheddars. Kerry Dubliner's a nice eating cheese. I use Tillamook in cooking. Old Croc is god as well, but like Cabot it isn't a normal cheddar. My current store is carrying a 2 lb block of Cabot oak white aged cheddar and a 1.5 lb block of the Kerrygold white cheddar. If you've had either, you'll know it's a very strong cheddar with a very peculiar taste that offensive to most people. But great if you like it.

Tried the Kerrygold and the Old Croc, think they're great for grilled cheese sandwiches, where their distinctive flavors can shine.

I've had the brie and it's good, but I usually opt for the Cambozola, cause I love Blues. I just checked my Costco, and they don't carry it, the other one in my area that does have it, has their parking lot ripped up right now.

 

[Thomas Veil]

Of course they have. They have countless members. There's going to be some unhappy people. That being said, VISA just puts them in a much better way as a vendor, considering Sam's has used it for a while.

People will get over it. Meanwhile, the rest of us will reap the benefits.

Thing is, nobody will get over what MacConsultant mentioned, the horrible customer service when you're on the phone with Citi. I'm sure if the complaints start translating into dropped memberships, Costco will pay attention.

 

[AustinIllini]

Thing is, nobody will get over what MacConsultant mentioned, the horrible customer service when you're on the phone with Citi. I'm sure if the complaints start translating into dropped memberships, Costco will pay attention.

Doubtful. The ability to use a VISA at Costco will likely increase membership, because far more people have Visa cards than AMEX. You're looking too small scope. If people need to go to Costco, they need to go to Costco. They could go to Sam's, but Sam's is really pretty terrible by comparison.

 

[ThinkDifferent24]

I LOVE costco. Right now they have this sweet and salty popcorn in a pink bag, buy one get one free. Perfect snack!

 

[0388631]

sweet and salty popcorn in a pink bag

Kettle corn. I'm guessing it's Angie's. It's very simple to make if you want to make it yourself at home. I'd advise using coconut or peanut oil instead of corn oil. You can also dash on some saigon cinnamon for some added flavor.

3/4 cup white popcorn kernels
1/4-1/2 cup unrefined coconut oil or peanut oil
salt set aside
1/4 cup sugar

Heat up the oil in a large pot with lid, and throw in 2-3 kernels. Once they pop, place the pot aside and pour in the kernels. Let it sit with the lid closed for 30-45 seconds, give it a good shake. Place it back on the heat source and wait until you hear the first pop. Open the lid, and evenly pour the sugar around. Close the lid quickly and gently swirl the pot and rock it side to side. Once you hear the pops slow down to 1-2 every 3-4 seconds, empty it out into a large bowl. I mean large! Salt the hot popcorn evenly and begin flipping it inside the bowl by moving the container and allowing the popcorn to break itself apart. As it cools down, they should stop sticking together. While it's still hot, you can sprinkle the cinnamon onto it and continue flipping it until it cools down.
[doublepost=1469511480][/doublepost]

Doubtful. The ability to use a VISA at Costco will likely increase membership, because far more people have Visa cards than AMEX. You're looking too small scope. If people need to go to Costco, they need to go to Costco. They could go to Sam's, but Sam's is really pretty terrible by comparison.

This is key. The only benefit to the Citi card is the 2% cash return on purchases AT a Costco location in-store OR AT Costco.com, but you do get 4% cash return on gas at Costco OR any other station. BoA and Chase offer cards better than that. The only benefit I see in the Costco card for this new contract for the time being is the high return for gas and the somewhat low APR outside of the introductory period.

 

[Larry-K]

Kettle corn. I'm guessing it's Angie's. It's very simple to make if you want to make it yourself at home. I'd advise using coconut or peanut oil instead of corn oil. You can also dash on some saigon cinnamon for some added flavor.

You bring up a critical point, Coscto (even Business Costco) no longer sells peanut oil, with a brief exception around the holidays for people who wish to burn their houses to the ground, or sustain 3rd degree burns, while trying to deep fry turkeys.

Can't fry chicken properly without the stuff.

But Coconut Oil and Popcorn are nonpareil, always been the Movie Theater's secret weapon. Good to see it's been deemed a healthy fat these days (as opposed to a deadly saturated fat it used to be), not that anyone can resist the smell of fresh, hot movie theatre popcorn. Have to try some of the Kirkland stuff to see how it works, without the additives and bright orange color, it may not be the same.

 

[0388631]

You bring up a critical point, Coscto (even Business Costco) no longer sells peanut oil, with a brief exception around the holidays for people who wish to burn their houses to the ground, or sustain 3rd degree burns, while trying to deep fry turkeys.

Can't fry chicken properly without the stuff.

But Coconut Oil and Popcorn are nonpareil, always been the Movie Theater's secret weapon. Good to see it's been deemed a healthy fat these days (as opposed to a deadly saturated fat it used to be), not that anyone can resist the smell of fresh, hot movie theatre popcorn. Have to try some of the Kirkland stuff to see how it works, without the additives and bright orange color, it may not be the same.

You can get peanut oil at any restaurant supply store that doesn't require a membership or if they do, doesn't require a business license/tax documentation. You can also get it here.

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/peanut-oil-blend-35-lb/101PNUTOIL1.html

Actually, a lot of theaters use corn oil or something else nowadays. Though AMC still uses coconut oil, to my knowledge. Simple unrefined coconut oil (I like the nutty scent/taste) and popcorn will suffice. The yellow coloring is an industry product called Flavacol, of which it has a few variants. The traditional version contains lake no. 5 colorant and artificial butter flavoring. It's a fine salt powder added during the popping process. You can buy powdered butter that's been dehydrated or have clarified butter on hand for drizzling. Salt wise, you can do what I do and buy pink Himalayan and blend it into a fine powder, and throw that in during the popping process. Theaters use a beta carotene enriched oil to further yellow the popcorn they make.

 

[bradl]

Doubtful. The ability to use a VISA at Costco will likely increase membership, because far more people have Visa cards than AMEX. You're looking too small scope. If people need to go to Costco, they need to go to Costco. They could go to Sam's, but Sam's is really pretty terrible by comparison.

Can't argue with this. Plus I think we're thinking a bit too small, and forgetting that Costco has a big presence in Canada, as well as hit the Australia and Japan markets. having AMEX over there really didn't help things when they've primarily had Visa from the start. Now that they've switched, those international locations will see a bump.

BL.

 

[Larry-K]

You can get peanut oil at any restaurant supply store that doesn't require a membership or if they do, doesn't require a business license/tax documentation. You can also get it here.

Yeah, but Costco used to have the convenient Gallon or Gallon and a half size, just enough for a few batches. They carry about every other oil, including the truly deadly "FryKing", don't know why Peanut Oil doesn't make the cut anymore, I would think enough people appreciate it to keep it on the shelves.

The stuff in the link is an "Economical Blend", Only the pure stuff will do. If I was worried about the economics, I wouldn't cook my own.

Actually, a lot of theaters use corn oil or something else nowadays. Though AMC still uses coconut oil, to my knowledge. Simple unrefined coconut oil (I like the nutty scent/taste) and popcorn will suffice. The yellow coloring is an industry product called Flavacol, of which it has a few variants. The traditional version contains lake no. 5 colorant and artificial butter flavoring. It's a fine salt powder added during the popping process. You can buy powdered butter that's been dehydrated or have clarified butter on hand for drizzling. Salt wise, you can do what I do and buy pink Himalayan and blend it into a fine powder, and throw that in during the popping process. Theaters use a beta carotene enriched oil to further yellow the popcorn they make.

Ahh, Flavacol, that's the stuff. I'm partial to Morton's Popcorn salt post pop, no iodine, and very fine, and Real butter, lots of it. The Milk Solids in it are half the fun, so I avoid the clarified. Maybe I'll toss some annatto in with the coconut stuff.

Do you like Rice Bran Oil? makes the best Tempura, and has a high smoking point. I can only dream of the day Costco carries that in their largely Asian Demographic stores.

 

[0388631]

I've never seen the Morton's, but as I said in the health thread, my salt is blended into a powder and it gets thrown in while the oil is heating up. I've never heard of rice bran oil in my entire life. That sounds like some hipster food item. I made popcorn earlier today. I preheated my kernels, WF 365 white organic, California Olive Ranch oil, and salt. I placed the kernels into a glass cup into the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Warmed the oil up and threw the kernels in. They began popping about 2 minutes later. You don't overheat the oil this way and get that great olive oil flavor. COO is one of a few certified olive oils. Very delicious too. I dressed mine up with salt and fresh cracked pepper. It's delicious.

Plus, as I've said before, your doctor will appreciate the increased fiber in your diet instead of having to eat oatmeal or other grains. You can only eat so much meusli before you begin feeling as if you're a horse.

 

[countryside]

While I do not like the long lines, Costco pizza is the best. I love it.

Now, as for the membership price, I think it is fair. A lot of the members (big families, and such) spend $300+ in just one visit, and go sometimes every other week. So I think the pricing is very fair.

 

[Larry-K]

I've never seen the Morton's, but as I said in the health thread, my salt is blended into a powder and it gets thrown in while the oil is heating up. I've never heard of rice bran oil in my entire life. That sounds like some hipster food item. I made popcorn earlier today. I preheated my kernels, WF 365 white organic, California Olive Ranch oil, and salt. I placed the kernels into a glass cup into the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Warmed the oil up and threw the kernels in. They began popping about 2 minutes later. You don't overheat the oil this way and get that great olive oil flavor. COO is one of a few certified olive oils. Very delicious too. I dressed mine up with salt and fresh cracked pepper. It's delicious.

Plus, as I've said before, your doctor will appreciate the increased fiber in your diet instead of having to eat oatmeal or other grains. You can only eat so much meusli before you begin feeling as if you're a horse.

With as much rice as the eat in Asia, what do you think they do with Rice Bran? Asian cultures typically waste nothing, and the oil from rice bran produces a delicate flavor that withstands high temperatures.

If you've ever had good tempura, it was prepared with rice bran oil, and if you haven't had it prepared with rice bran oil, you haven't had good tempura.

Hipsters? Geez is there anything they haven't tried to ruin yet? Scourge of the earth. Rice bran oil proceeded them by several hundred years, and in all likelihood will succeed them by several hundred more.

Have tried the California Olive Ranch Oils, and they're okay, but not my favorites. After listening to that consortium's spokesperson last year, I thought the drought might do them in, still might, so stock up.

 

[Suture]

Speaking of the pizza, I was wondering... the Kirkland frozen pizza they have in the frozen section (4 for $10) -- is this the same as what they serve at the snack counter?

 

[countryside]

Speaking of the pizza, I was wondering... the Kirkland frozen pizza they have in the frozen section (4 for $10) -- is this the same as what they serve at the snack counter?

Sadly, it is not. But, it tastes quite good.

 

[JAT]

While I do not like the long lines, Costco pizza is the best. I love it.

You've had what, 3 pizzas in your life?

 

[0388631]

It's alright for pizza, but I wouldn't call it the best. It's a massive step up from other commercial pizza.

 

[LizKat]

Rumor has it the yearly fees would have increased around $15-20 across the board if they stuck with Amex. Costco took the cheap route to keep members happy. Though support lies solely on Citi's shoulders now. I was honestly surprised they picked Citi because Citi seemed to be an exclusive partner with Mastercard.

So it's only Citi Visa? Or any Visa?

Sadly there's no Costco near here anyway, there's a BJ's in Oneonta that I've been to four times in 20 years. I was just curious about the card switch you mentioned. I thought Chase was really big on Visa; they switched their MasterCard accts to Visa awhile back, no?

I do keep thinking about BJ's since they pitch memberships in direct mail a couple times a year. That's as far as it gets for me though. People with a membership will pick up something for me if I need to buy in bulk for a large gathering once in awhile, and I have enough trouble justifying my Prime membership (which I refuse to give up).

Have to admit that if they put a Costco in Oneonta I'd drive over there more often. I loathe the Walmart there and usually only hit it in late fall to stock up on catfood, toilet paper etc. before the snow flies.

 

[countryside]

You've had what, 3 pizzas in your life?

I just personally like it. Though, I generally prefer thin crust.

 

[Suture]

Yeah definitely not the best I've had, but damn good deal for the money. I miss the salsa they used to sell like 10 years ago. That stuff was amazing.